Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled as openers in the T20 World Cup, failing to achieve a single fifty-run partnership for the opening wicket throughout the tournament.
In the final against South Africa on Saturday in Barbados, Kohli and Rohit began with a powerful start, scoring 15 runs in the first over, marking it as the most expensive opening over in a T20 World Cup final.
Kohli hit three fours in the first over, and Rohit followed up with consecutive fours off Keshav Maharaj in the second over. However, Maharaj had the last word, dismissing Rohit, caught at backward square leg by Heinrich Klaasen.
India’s campaign started with 22 runs in 2.4 overs against Ireland, followed by a shaky 12 runs in 1.3 overs against Pakistan. Their struggles were evident with a mere 1-run start against the USA, and 11 runs in 2.5 overs against Afghanistan continued the pattern.
A promising 39-run partnership against Bangladesh was a rare highlight. This was followed by 6 runs in 1.4 overs against Australia and 19 runs in 2.4 overs against England. India concluded their campaign with 23 runs in 1.4 overs against South Africa, emphasizing the need for more consistent starts in future tournaments.
Earlier, India captain Rohit won the toss and chose to bat. Both teams had an impressive unbeaten run in the tournament, finishing first in their respective groups and Super Eight rounds. While India was playing their third T20 World Cup final, having previously appeared in 2014 and winning the inaugural edition in 2007, this was the first time the South African team reached the final of an ICC tournament.